Compound vs Mixture – Difference and Comparison

What is Compound?

In chemistry, a compound is a substance composed of two or more chemical elements that have been combined. When chemical elements combine, they react and form chemical bonds that are difficult to break. These bonds form when atoms exchange electrons with one another.

The different chemical elements that are combined in a compound form a strong chemical reaction that requires a high level of energy to break. Salt, water, and soda are examples of compounds.

It is important to remember that a compound does not always behave like the elements it is composed of. Water, for example, is composed of hydrogen and oxide. At room temperature, these are both gaseous substances. When they combine, however, they form water, which is a liquid at room temperature. Furthermore, the constituents of a compound do not retain their own elements in a compound.

A compound’s chemical formula is made up of a chemical symbol for each constituent element. Water, for example, has the chemical formula H20 (the subscript ‘2’ represents the two hydrogen atoms present in water). Another example is sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (this means that the compound is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms, one sulphur atom and four oxygen atoms).

What is Mixture?

A mixture is formed when two or more chemical elements combine without undergoing chemical change. It is composed of chemical substances that do not chemically bond. Substances that are mixed together, unlike compounds, do not undergo chemical changes.

Seawater is an example of a mixture. This is due to the fact that both the sea and the water retain their individual properties. There are primarily two kinds of mixtures;

1. Homogeneous mix
2. Heterogeneous mix

Homogenous mixtures are those in which the mixed chemical substances are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Salt water is an example of a homogeneous mixture. The dissolved salt is distributed evenly throughout the water in the mixture.

A heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition. The substances in a heterogeneous mixture do not mix. This allows them to be identified and separated as individuals. Oil and water, sand, and other heterogeneous mixtures are examples.

Difference Between Compound and Mixture

1. Two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded in a compound. Chemical elements are simply mixed in a mixture.
2. A compound is always homogeneous, whereas a mixture can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
3. The constituent elements of a compound cannot be physically separated, whereas the constituent elements of a mixture can be physically separated.
4. The constituent elements of a compound lose their qualities, whereas the constituents of a mixture retain their qualities and identities.
5. A compound’s properties differ from those of its constituents, whereas a mixture exhibits the properties of all of its constituents.
6. Compounds are distinguished by their chemical formula. There is no chemical formula for mixtures.
7. When chemical substances are combined, a new substance is formed. In a mixture, no new substance is formed.

Comparison Between Compound and Mixture